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Current Events affecting the African Communities.

DIASPORA

 

First of all, I say communities because there are so many, we are a diaspora.  We come from different places, with divergent issues.  I am from the Caribbean, but I know blacks from South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, America, etc.  We each have different issues and different perspectives.  My point of view of current events affecting the African communities is within the confines of America.

MENTAL SLAVERY

We are constantly being duped into believing we are :

  1. lazy
  2. without financial hope
  3. overly religious
  4. sports oriented and not academically inclined
  5. baby mamas and pimps
  6. incapable of thinking for ourselves, in other words we need a boss

Well, we know none of this is true.  There are exceptions of course, as with any other community of people, regardless of their ethnicity.

STEREOTYPES

These stereotypes are extremely dangerous for us as a people.  We have to be aware, educated, and conscious of what’s happening in the world around us.  We have to realize that we have just the same power, imagination, brain, and capabilities just like everyone else.  DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE.

ORDINARY THINGS

nothing in life can be achieved unless you put something into it.  If you are working without investing then that’s all you are doing, working.  Re-think that strategy perhaps.  Start a small investment fund, a business, even if it is home-based.    These  are a few ideas you can reap the benefits of, without burdening yourself.

Whatever religious affiliation you may have, ensure they are re-investing in your community and not taking your money elsewhere.  Look at the banks with which they are aligned.  Ask questions about where they are using the funds you’ve tithed and offered.

Education doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of a college degree.  Read, explore, discuss, investigate, ask questions and don’t be afraid to open your mind while staying grounded to yourself and your community.  Don’t lose focus.

Demand more services for your own community, guess what?  It’s your community!  The politicians and powers that be, expect you to be silent.  Surprise them and use your voice whether that be vocally or with your pen and paper, computer, etc.  Just speak up for what you want.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t let social media dissaude you from being a good citizen or person. Your life matters, make a difference and change the negativity.  We live in a world of good and bad, that’s just a fact.  Once we start changing, realigning, refocusing then the imageries on social media will also change.  We have to  remember where we came from and where we are going.  Where are you going without financial stability, credible finances and a strong foundation on which to stand.  Not just for yourself, but your future selves.

NETWORKING

This is the big N word for me.  We can’t get far if we aren’t resourced up, and in order to know where we are going, we need to follow the lead of great people. Reach out without malice to the black businesses and find out where you fit in.  Most are willing to give back but are afraid of  negativity.  They have to maneuver murky, shark infested waters, just like you and I, so let’s be tolerant and supportive.  Networking can sometimes be confusing, especially to individuals who don’t get the concept, and the long term benefits.  It’s about relationship and wealth building.  It’s not just about you now, more so than it is about you later.  Not the present you, but rather the future you – your children many generations from now.  Think about that.

Continue reading “Current Events affecting the African Communities.”

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Friends/family:

During our #Lental/Easter season let us without hesitation #generously #donate #resources to those who are #less-fortunate or unable to do better for themselves and/or their families. You and I may have #ample #food and I for one do not one to know or see others being hungry.

#Hunger #plagues many poor #widows, #orphans #families in the #NewYork area, and many are too #ashamed to ask for #help. Some are even #not-qualified based #income-slidingscale to receive meager assistance, and for a #man supporting his family week by week and in some cases day by day this is most #disheartening and may make him feel less than a man. Let’s help him take care of himself, his family and keep his pride intact. Hell the children get their food, school clothing and other clothing to lift their sense of worth and value. Simple things we take for granted like a pair of shoes makes a huge difference to a child, medicine and therapy is often sorely lacking. The need is great, we can make a difference,

Locate a local nonprofit or church and be specific where you would like your donation to go. Let’s make a difference today! #caribguhl

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Fire on the subway MTA/LIRR

State of disgust

LIRR seats

I take the Long Island Rail Road to work mostly. I detest the putrid trains. The vagrants, the stench, the vermin, the utter sewer we pay for the privilege and honor of commuting daily.  Got on the LIRR this morning and I am thrown into a perpetual state of disgust, reminding me of the very subway trains I have tried to not use, unless I absolutely must.

What am I sitting in really????

I feel like I am about to lose my tummy. The smell is so bad in car 7367 on the 5:52 commuter from Jamaica to Atlantic that I’m sitting here wondering if I’m possibly sitting in the barf?  

Who has it worse?

Fire on MTAs tracks

When will this system ever get better?  I See people run on and off the trains at some stations, armed with brooms and shovel.  They look as disgruntled as the commuters who have to ride on the swill.  Who has it worse, the commuters or the employees?  I guess it’s equanimity but I pay to ride and I expect the trains as well as its environs to be clean, smelling decent, and not roach, rats and other vermin infested😰😰😰😰😰 UUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

NYC rats out of control
I started writing this post at 6:50 am.  It is now 6:59 pm and I’m still super irritated at the state of our mass transit system.  

Commuting back home versus commuting to work does not hold a special place for me as it should, and that disturbs me terribly.  Every experience I have, especially when I invest in it, like I do with the very expensive MTA cost, should have some level of comfort.  Bah humbug!!!!!  Why do I have to complain like a hag over something this simple?  We pay  to ride, shouldn’t they make the experience  more palatable?

Hope tomorrow brings a cleaner ride🤔. I can hope can I ?

Crystal


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Life’s little surprises

I’m having my gallstone removed on Thursday this week so.  But I’m sitting in the emergency room of Queens Hospital because my pre-op revealed my pressure is really high, and they are unable to clear me for surgery unless my diastolic dropped below 90.  Right now it’s 167/115.  


I arrived here @11:10 for an 11:30 appointment. Everything was ok until they took my blood pressure.

I knew this morning I wasn’t feeling that hot, but I ha no idea my pressure was that high.  A slight headache has now turned into my eyes feeling cloudy, and a tiny pain in my left arm has now escalated to a more noticeable stabbing effect.

I am uncertain as to whether or not the procedure will take place on Thursday or not because everything is dependent on my pressure dropping below 90 at this juncture., but I am optimistic😃

Still life
Like my nurse said earlier in the main hospital – try to think about something which relaxes you. I guess that’s why I’m writing this now 💕

Namaste – Crystal

Queens Hospital
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Crystal Simmons’Personal page for my hope for Haiti Campaign – Please donate.

babies_on_blanket-1500x630Hope for Haiti

 

Please click on the Hope for Haiti link or this link to follow my campaign:  https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1030056&supId=44088645
If you have any questions about the event, please email Hope for Haiti at info@hopeforhaiti.com.  

Hope for Haiti is a registered 501(c)3 organization and all gifts made to Hope for Haiti are fully tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Donors will receive a receipt for their contributions.

If you have any questions about the event, please email Hope for Haiti at info@hopeforhaiti.com.  

Hope for Haiti is a registered 501(c)3 organization and all gifts made to Hope for Haiti are fully tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Donors will receive a receipt for their contributions.